Mix(ed) Tape Mess

Inspired

2010-09-26T00:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've written a music related post but lately, actually the past week I've been feeling incredibly inspired musically. On our way back from camping in Okutama, Julie, Basak and I met a huge group of people from Singapore who were here performing at the En Fire Festival. Musicians, DJs, poi artists, organizers all with incredible positive energy and passion. Simply being in the presence of these people is enough to inspire you.

I have spent the last week hanging out with these guys learning about Singapore and the music scene there. It has been amazing to meet and talk with fellow music lovers and this has inspired me to get back into writing and publishing music related articles. I'm hoping to catch up with the guys from OrkeStar Trio one last time before they fly back to Singapore so we can chat.

Enjoy the videos. The last one features Romi Yacop one of the poi artists from Singapore. He won first place in the fire battle at En Fire Festival.

Now I Know My ABC's!

2009-10-05T04:08:00.000-07:00

Since I've started working at a pre-school the only songs that are on regular rotation in my head are childrens songs. They're too catchy, dammit!

However, I did manage to get myself out to a punk show finally. I can't remember the last show I attended. I was really impressed with the line-up. We were a little late arriving (because we got lost) so the show had already started. The first band (whose name I can't remember because it was in Japanese) was interesting. 2 piece experimental rock I guess is the best description. One guitarist and the other guy was vocals/symbols/entertainer. Wasn't a huge fan of the music although they were quite entertaining to watch.

The next band was One Size. Pop punk in Japan is still in the 1990's North American version of the genre, back when it was in its prime, before it started getting mixed up with metal and synth and all kinds of other things. Unfortunately I don't have a website link for them.

My favorite band of the night was ALF. They were also straight up pop-punk and tight. For the first couple songs I couldn't quite place my finger on who they sounded like and then it hit me! New Found Glory! And of course they ended up playing a cover of "My Friends Over You". They actually did 2 covers, I love covers. The second one was a cover of "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter which was INCREDIBLE!! I love surprise covers like that. It sounds really good as a punk song. Here's the original in case you forgot what it sounds like:

Here's some exciting news! Darren (lead singer from The Salads) e-mailed me in regards to a previous blog post which happened to be about the musical heart break they caused me. He was really cool about my reaction to The Big Picture and has assured me that The Salads I know and love are back in full swing. Yay!! Here's a bit of nostalgia for ya:

That's all. kthxbai

Love and Beth Ditto

2009-07-23T00:28:00.000-07:00

While waiting to meet a friend for dinner yesterday I decided to waste some time in a local bookstore. I was looking for fashion inspiration but ended up finding a new favorite band.

While scanning this months covers of American and British pop culture magazines I came across this one:

First I was incredibly shocked and impressed that a woman that's NOT 5 feet and 100lbs was featured on the cover of a magazine then I needed to find out who this woman was. I opened to the article and began to read. I soon found out that this woman, Beth Ditto, is the front woman for the band Gossip whom I had never heard of. Her ballsyness and love and support for feminism and the riot grrrl movement pushed me to follow up and find out what kind of music this girl is doing. I'm not really sure how to define it. It's a mix of Heart, a bit of originial pop punk and full on girl power. I love it!

Reading this article in Love magazine I also found out that way back in 2006 Sony Music started a "gay" record label that has since dissolved. Interesting huh?

Check out one of The Gossips videos below...

I'm baaaack...

2009-07-21T02:21:00.000-07:00

I really need to update more regularly.

So I just saw Mariah Carey's video for her new single "Obsessed". One word, creepy. As you can probably figure out from the title of the song it's about obsession and in the video there is a "male" that is constantly around Mariah throughout her day, following her, taking pictures of her etc and as it turns out the "male" is in fact Mariah dressed as a male and not very well I might add. I also noticed that her boobs have gotten a lot bigger. Just a side note.

I'm in the market for a radio. I know I can find all the music I want online even in video form but there's something very comforting going about your daily household business with a radio on in the background. And as far removed as I may feel from Western pop culture the big radio station here in Tokyo, Inter FM stays up-to-date with J-music AND Western music (their website is how I found that Mariah Carey video).

I miss working at a music store :(

Gomenne...

2009-06-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

It's been too long since I last complained about the current state of music. I got super busy and now have like a bajillion things on the go including 3 jobs.

So where do I start?

Here's a question: Who the fuck are The New Cities? The newest Sony music profit tool is my best answer. I'm missing a lot of crap living in the land of robots but I'm also missing a lot of great music as well. This makes me sad. But thanks to music lover friends on Facebook some great things are brought to my attention, like...

The NEW ALEXISONFIRE!!!!

And speaking of new music from great Canadian bands, .moneen. also have a new EP which is incredible! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I heart Canadian music. Metric also have a new album. I used to really, really like them, I still hold a soft spot for them but they don't wow me like they used to.

I've been on a mission to teach myself about techno/trance/house and everything else that can fall into this general area of music. I pride myself on knowing at least a little bit about all genres of music but somehow this one I ignored. I'm starting to understand, slowly. During my university days there were a few DJ/tracks I liked (which I generalized as "techno") but I know now that most of the stuff I liked is considered trance. DJ Alligator and Da Rude are a few of my favorites. All this stuff I've been listening to and studying lately is giving me a huge urge to go clubbin' or to a rave. Its been a long ass time since I've danced all night long, better stock up on energy drinks!

Right now I'm listening to this...

Oh the memories... Sweetwaters I do not miss you at all.

Other than teaching myself about techno, trance and the like I've started going back in time in terms of my musical tastes and adding lots of 90's stuff to my music library. I've been adding so much, I'm going to have to do a clean up soon and get rid of stuff I'm not listening to anymore :( Unfortunately my hard drive isn't very big.

That's about it for me...

Banana

Just a few things...

2009-03-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

As I said before I'm getting more and more into pop and R n B lately. I'm not ashamed, but I do blame it on the fact that I'm getting older. Don't get me wrong I still love stuff like Protest The Hero and Poison The Well I guess it just depends on my mood. Lately I just want to relax so the more smooth it is, the better. I'm also finding myself rediscovering my love for pop-punk. If you haven't heard the new New Found Glory - Not Without a Fight, what the hell are you waiting for? As to be expected from these guys it's poppy and catchy as fuck! I love it!

I'm right loving the new Red Jumpsuit Apparatus as well the single "You Better Pray" well I'm loving the entire album but this song is great. They've steered away from their "screamo" sound and have headed into a 80's hair metal sound with the vocals sounding a lot like Axel Rose, he even looks a bit like him.

Somehow I stumbled across The Sosos and my first thought while listening to "Should've Wandered" was "Presidents of the United States of America". I enjoy these guys.

Something I really like though is collaborations, especially when the end result is amazing. Say Anything + Saves The Day = Two Tongues. Catchy and amazing. Check 'em out!

I guess that's all for now. Oh yea, unfortunately I won't be attending Punk Spring 09 anymore as I will be in Thailand, a small price to pay for an amazing vacation. I'll catch all the bands I wanted to see some other time.

Rock on!

Banana

Motley, I mean, Black Tide

2009-01-31T07:16:00.000-08:00

I know it can't just be me but when I listen to newcomers, Black Tide, I can't help but be taken all the way back to the glory days of hair metal, specifically the Motley Crue days of hair metal. Even the vocals sound like Vince Neil. Check out their video for "Shout" here

These guys have done a lot in the few years they've been together, including tours with Lacuna Coil and All That Remains and dates on Ozzfest and the upcoming 2009 Warped Tour. Not bad for a bunch of guys that are all under 21 years old.

That's all for now. Here's a Motley Crue song to send you off.

New Noise...

2009-01-27T00:45:00.000-08:00

Ok first of all I have huge news! I'm officially published! I've been working with Spin.com for their new global music website. I hadn't said anything up until this point because it wasn't exactly official but one of my pieces is on the site now. Check it!! Yay!!! Expect lots more where that came from. I just have to get my ass out to more shows. Its hard sometimes because there's always so much going on and most of the shows are pretty pricey.

Anyway, I just discovered a video of Dustin Kensrue (the love of my life) covering The Counting Crows 'Round Here'. Amazing. If Dustin Kensrue shat and called it music I would also love it, but seriously this is good.

The Loved Ones have a new song on their myspace which I'm pretty excited about especially after the disappointment that was Build & Burn. Maybe I need to give it another listen.

Here's a video of "Sodom, Gomorrah, Washington D.C. (Sheep In Shepherds Clothing)" a new Anti-Flag song... STOKED!!!!

That's all for now I suppose.

Later Gators!

I Can't Deny It... I like Pop music...

2009-01-26T00:42:00.000-08:00

Helloooooooo music peeps.

I must apologize for the lack of updates. I am back to work now after a week winter vacation during which I found myself back in Canada. It was a nice change.

While I was there one of the local Fredericton bands held a reunion show which was amazing and nostalgic. Here's a video I took...

Other than that I've been really getting into R & B and hip hop lately, not sure why but I like it nonetheless. Albums on regular rotation right now are Common - Be, Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, Classified - Hitch Hikin' Music and Shimizu Shota - Umbrella. I have a few songs I've been listening to tons as well, lots of guilty pleasures. David Archuleta - Crush, Akon - Right Now (Na na na), Colbie Caillat - Bubbly, Secondhand Serenade - Fall For You. I can't help but love these songs they're just so damn catchy, fuck!

Death Cab For Cutie are playing here on February 14th, I really wanted to go but I'm going snowboarding instead but I do have Punkspring 09 to look forward to in April. Other than that, no shows for me, gotta watch the spending.

I'll try to update/rant more in the future. I have an actual writing gig now so it might be hard to balance the two plus the other blog I do AND the personal writing I do... I got a lot on the go. Phew!

Until next time, keep on keepin' on!

Banana

I've been asleep...

2008-12-04T23:59:00.001-08:00

...much like the music scene has been back home it seems.

Hmm I see that Papa Roach and Disturbed are still doing music. Boring! To be honest I have yet to fully listen to the new Guns n' Roses album. I know, I know I should have been all over that shit. An album 15 years in the making is definititely worth a listen whether you care about the band or not. I really admire the band (aka Axl) for sticking with the album title. You would think after 15 years you would get sick of hearing "Chinese Democracy" over and over again. Kudos to you Mr. Rose, kudos!

Another album I haven't had a chance to check out is AC/DC's Black Ice. Although I must note that I am downloading both as I type this.

Even though I recieve about 10 different music news e-mails each week I could care less about 80% of most of the content. The most recent Loudside newsletter introduced me to an interesting band though. In This Moment. Metal with a female vocalist. What I like the most is the intense screaming vocals Maria lets out. It sounds like her vocals chords are literally shredding. If they ever come through Tokyo and the price is right, I'll be there to see this chick rip shit up. I heart chicks that can rip shit up (Fuck The Facts, Kilbourne). The best part is Maria does it in pretty little dresses. Awesome! Check it out!

Fuck The Facts

My show attendance has been low lately because I've been so busy and exhausted from work but I was able to make it to the International Rockstar Taste of Chaos (why does everything have to be sponsored? It makes the names needlessly long.) Anyway here's some footage I put together from the show. Atreyu, who I was most excited for cancelled but Story of the Year were sick and As I Lay Dying killed!!!

Death Cab For Cutie are coming in February I do believe, Beck in March and Punkspring 09 is happening in April, so I'll be checkin' those out for sure. Check out the line-up for Punkspring, it's like my dream show except Anti-Flag is not on the roster.

Madina Lake
Oreskaband
Runner Runner
9mm Parabellum Bullet
The Blackout
The Damned
Mindless Self-Indulgence
**The Flatliners
**Sum 41
**Marky Ramone
**Misery Signals
**Bad Religion (fuck you fuckers who got to see them in Moncton ;)
**NOFX (fuck all you same fuckers)
**Less Than Jake (...and again)
**Rise Against (...and yet again)

Plus more that aren't listed. Fingers are crossed for Maximum The Hormone. SICK, SICK line-up!! The price isn't sick though. 90 bucks, but it's an all day thing so worth it? I suppose so but if this show were in Canada it would probably only be 60 bucks. Oh well, it's Tokyo, it can't be helped.

So that's that. Until next time, rock out with yer cock out! If I had one I would!

Banana

Oh Kanye...

2008-10-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

I love Kanye West, he's a great artist which is why I can't understand why he has to synthesize the vocals on his new single "Love Lockdown". Why Kanye, why? Just sing, don't adjust anything. Stop trying to ruin a good thing.

Those were the days...

2008-10-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

Not only am I listening to tons of sappy emo pop lately but because I'm currently reading "Fargo Rock City" by Chuck Klosterman I've been listening to tons of 80's metal. Oh yes, I'm bringing it ALL back, Skid Row, Cinderella, the Crue. Actually it's pretty fun listening to all the stuff that my cousins used to listen to which eventually made me crazy for music. The sad thing is that I still remember ALL of the lyrics.

But ya know what? Those metal/glam bands really had a way with words particularly when it came to love songs or ballads. Swooooon! How much heaving petting do you think was had with Motley Crues "Without You" as the soundtrack or Guns n' Roses' "November Rain"? I don't know exactly but I can guess that it was a lot. There's probably a million girls who can say that they lost their virginity while listening to "Every Rose Has It's Thorn". Hell, I'm sure half of that million lost it to Bret Michaels while listening to that song. I mean c'mon who could resist that <---

The more I look at these guys the more I'm reminded of 20 something Japanese guys. They have so many things in common with 80's hair metal rockers:

Big complicated hair
Tight pants
Make-up
Lots of accessories.

So the mystery has been solved once and for all, 20 something Japanese guys get all their fashion ideas/tips from washed up 80's hair metal rockers. Interesting. I guess Japan isn't as far into the future as we all thought.

Until next time, don't take fashion tips from washed up 80's hair metal rockers.

Banana-ator

I'm a Huge Sap...

2008-10-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been a huge sucker for anything with an acoustic guitar or piano particularly accompanied by female vocals. I can't remember how I found her but a favorite of mine lately has been Missy Higgins. Raw, emotional just amazing.

And tonight as I was searching youtube for a video for Death Cab For Cutie's I Will Follow You Into The Dark I stumbled across Kina Grannis, an extremely talent young female with a voice so amazing it sends chills down my spine. It's girls like Kina and Missy (and Trez) that motivate me to pick up the guitar that's sitting in a corner in my apartment and inspire me to become a better singer and I thank them for it.

I know I'll never be in a hardcore band like one of my heros (above) but I will learn to write songs, become a better singer and maybe eventually grow big enough balls to perform said songs in public or at least at jam parties.

Thanks ladies!

Banana

At the stroke of midnight...

2008-09-24T03:00:00.000-07:00

...I will be publicly hanged.

The shame, oh the shame. I'm embarrassed to even admit this but tonight I was unable to identify a band as... The Tragically Hip. Hit me with all you got! I deserve it! I should have my citizenship revoked. I should not be allowed to call myself Canadian.

To make up for it I'm going to listen to nothing but The Tragically Hip for the next 24 hours.

Wow Japan you've really done a number on me. Yes, I'm blaming my stupidity on living in Japan. There's no other logical explanation.

I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy.

The Tragically Pathetic Banana

Throw ya handz in da ai-ya!

2008-09-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

I may not be a huge hip-hop fan but I still like some of it. I recently came across a great track by Canadian hip-hopper, Shad (aka Shadrach Kabango) who I've never heard of up to this point. What I like about Shad is the simplicity. He doesn't over complicate his songs with ridiculous beats, they're just simple and catchy.

Check him out.

Shad - The Old Prince Still Lives At Home

Home Town Rockstar

2008-09-18T03:34:00.000-07:00

My friend Jonnie sent me the link to his bands video premiere the other day and I honestly felt like a proud mother. For as long as I've known Jonnie, making a career from music has been his soul purpose in life and he's finally well on his way with Age of Daze. I've been told that "Afflicted" is currently on light rotation on Much Music (Canada's music station) and of course the single has been heavily played on Fredericton's local rock radio 105.3 The Fox.

Official Afflicted Video

I just want to, once again, say congrats to my buddy. I <3 you!

Banana

El Presidente

2008-08-13T00:38:00.000-07:00

"Peaches come from a can, they were put there by a man, in a factory downtown"

It's entirely possible that I'm the only person in the world that held onto their love for Presidents of the United States of America (PUSA) after their decline in the 1990's but I don't regret it for one second. PUSA were fun in the 90's with their debut self-titled album and they're still fun now with their new single, "Mixed Up SOB". Check it out

Copy Cats and Pussycats

2008-06-14T00:07:00.000-07:00

I love it when mediocre/crap Canadian bands resort to ripping off other mediocre/crap Canadian bands.

Enter: Simple Plan - Your Love is a Lie

Fade to: Our Lady Peace - Clumsy

On a side note I recently stumbled across the most recent shitty, over-sexed girl group. Girlicious, a clever name no? Basing my opinion soley on the way these girls look, dance and sing I can only assume that they are no other than the rejects from the "Next Pussycat Doll" reality show.

Hedley or Hanson?

2008-06-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

You be the judge.

*Picture courtesy of Hedley Hanson Ltd.

Ma' Fuckin' Bloc Party!

2008-05-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

This was taken from the Fredericton Harvest Jazz and Blues Facebook page. For a small city like Fredericton, this is fuckin' huge. Wish I were able to be home to see this show.

For Immediate Release
Monday, May 26, 2008

Brit Chart-Toppers Bloc Party to rock Fredericton's Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival

(Fredericton, NB) – The headliners keep coming for Fredericton's Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. With blues legend Buddy Guy and "otherworldly" guitarist Derek Trucks already announced, New Brunswick's biggest annual music festival made a huge announcement today with the signing of million-selling British pop-rockers, Bloc Party.

After performing this summer at Chicago’s Lollapalooza and Toronto’s Virgin Festival, the critically acclaimed British band will make their East Canadian debut in Fredericton on Saturday, September 13, 2008. Tickets go on sale Saturday, July 19, 2008. Visit www.harvestjazzandblues.co

m for further information.

"This is another huge score for Fredericton," says the Festival’s Musical Director, Brent Staeben. "Being included on a world tour for a band of this stature is a major coup for an Atlantic Canadian Festival."

Storming onto the scene in 2005 with their debut album Silent Alarm, Bloc Party spent 69 weeks on the UK’s top album charts. The record, which included the singles “Banquet” and “Helicopter”, raced up the charts in 17 countries around the world, was declared Album of the Year by NME Magazine, and went on to sell one million copies worldwide.

Returning with their follow up A Weekend in the City, singer Kele Okereke, guitarist Russell Lissack, bassist Gordon Moakes and drummer Matt Tong teamed up with producer Jacknife Lee (U2, Snow Patrol) to create 11 electrifying and staggeringly direct tracks that chronicle post-millennial Britain.

“It's a great endorsement of the unique event that we've created here in Fredericton," says Staeben. "Bloc Party is one of Britain’s hottest music exports right now and we're thrilled to have a stop on their world tour. The huge reception that DJ Champion received here last year cemented our reputation as a great place to perform in front of a very appreciative and enthusiastic audience.”

The UK phenom group is renowned for their amazing live shows and bold indie-techno sound.

Pitchforkmedia.com said, “...within a minute the band’s starting to kick up dust, on its way to be a chorus hook that’s loose, energetic, and honestly thrilling: It’s the kind of craftsmanship that would sound good coming from nearly anyone.”

Blender Magazine said, “At Bloc Party’s best, music and message collide with astounding force.”

Hitting the Afterburner stage at 12:30 a.m. on Saturday night, Bloc Party will thrill the crowd with their dynamic live show, their hottest tracks on the set list and even a preview of songs from their newest album, set to be released through Warner Music in October, 2008. Prior to coming to Canada, Bloc Party will perform at some of the world’s biggest music festivals including Chicago’s Lollapalooza, Germany’s Hohenfelden Festival and the UK’s Reading and Leeds Festivals.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 a.m. at Harvest Central, 81 Regent Street; by phone, 1.888.NB BLUES (622.5837); and online, www.harvestjazzandblues.com. Major credit cards accepted and service charges may apply. This show is restricted to ages 19 and over. Doors open at 12 a.m.

For more information on Bloc Party, visit: www.blocparty.com

OMG!! I<3 LTJ!!! LOL

2008-05-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

Whoa! I haven't posted here in a long time.

Have I got something for you!

NEW LESS THAN JAKE SONG!!! It's from their upcoming album "GNVFLA" due to be released June 25th. Get excited and get ready to dance because it's a great one!

Enjoy!

Banana

What Kind of Democracy? Chinese you say?

2008-04-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Apparently Mr. Rose has given the masters to his label. Who wants to place a friendly wager on whether or not this album will actually come out this year?

...And Here I Thought They Were Gone Forever

2008-04-05T02:19:00.000-07:00

Rolling Stone just posted a 2008 album preview article and it's full of surprises.

Remember Robyn? You know the Swedish female pop star from the early 90s? I know the girls reading this remember her and the smash hit "Show Me Love". Wasn't that the greatest dance/sing-a-long song? Anyway she's making her way back into the US spot light with a new album this spring. Little did I know this will be her fourth album, it seems as though she had more than just one hit in her home country. The new Robyn is a little more electronic that the 90s version, not really sure how well this album is going to do. Something tells me if she had broke into the US just a few years ago when Kylie was on her way up the charts she'd have a better chance. It's all about the band wagon!

Now that's only one surprise of many.

Just a few days ago while listening to Shimizu Shota (our bartenders favorite Japanese artist) I was reminded of the smooth stylings of none other than Usher and wondered where the hell he had gone. It seems I spoke too soon because lil' Usher has matured and is releasing his new found manhood onto the world in May.

As if these weren't enough the popular music scene is about to take a real trip back in time where even Nelly is releasing an album. What is the world coming to? What ever happened to one hit wonders? I liked it better when they disappeared all together after their big hit.

Check out the full article here.

Record Store Day - April 19th

2008-03-24T17:25:00.000-07:00

On April 19th, 2008 indie record stores all over North America will be celebrating RECORD STORE DAY through various promotions.

For more information on Record Store Day and a list of participating stores click here.

Also joining in on the festivities is CBC Radio 3 who, for one week starting March 19th, will be taking nominations for the best indie record stores in Canada. After receiving all nominations CBC Radio 3 will compile a list of stores for the public to vote on and on April 19th one winner will be chosen as Searchlight's #1 Independent Record Store in Canada.

"CBC Radio 3 will broadcast live from the winning store, which will also receive a winning trophy and plaque, will get rigged with Sirius satellite radio stereo system, and will have a special in-store appearance from their favorite local artist that we will also broadcast live." cbcradio3.com

So you know what that means kids? Get online nominate and vote! (cough* Backstreet *cough). I've checked the nominations so far and the east coast is hardly represented at all, a few noms for Backstreet Records in Saint John and a few more for Taz Records in Halifax. This is a great opportunity for Fredericton's lil' indie record shop that could.

Fall Out Boy vs Michael Jackson

2008-02-28T23:10:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for Fall Out Boy AND a sucker for covers. They just released a cover of Michael Jacksons "Beat It" and there's nothing bad to be said about it. It's awesome! Check it out here

You'll love it, trust me.

Banana

What Matters? PULLEY!

2008-02-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

A new DVD about the first 10 years of Pulley is being released by the band early in March it will be available to purchase from their website. View the trailer here

For the first time since 2004's Matters the band has also finished a bit of recording. Keep an eye on their website and myspace for new songs.

Banana

Crunky Punk

2008-02-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

New addition to the Fearless records "Punk Goes" series. Punk Goes Crunk, it was only a matter of time. I so want this!!

See the track listing here

Good and Ready

2008-02-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

Kay, so AP.com is streaming a track off of the new Anti-flag due to be released April 1st and I just had a few listens. I have never grinned and giggled like a little girl so much listening to a song than I did listening to "Good and Ready". I read various interviews with members of the band divulging that on this album they were going to try some new things (orchestras, choirs and various instruments). To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect because all Anti-flag albums are pretty much the same with the exception of a few songs here and there ("Cities Burn" from the album For Blood and Empire). If the rest of the album is anything like this one track I will fall in love with Anti-flag all over again and it will be wonderful. ;)

Anti-flag have also enlisted the help of producer Tony Visconti (T. Rex, David Bowie) on this album.

Hangin' Tough

2008-01-30T03:25:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing serious rumors that none other than NKOTB are staging a reunion. OMG!!! lol. There's not a chance in hell that I would like any new music they're writing nowadays but to finally get the chance to see my favorite band as a kid. That would just be fuckin' amazing!! It's maybe more exciting than meeting childhood heroes Joey Jeramiah and Snake from Degrassi.

About a year or so ago Jordan Knight (who happened to be my personal favorite) was touring Canada promoting his new solo album. I kick myself everyday for not making it to Moncton to see him. If NKOTB are really getting back together and touring, you wanna believe I'll fuckin' be there. Fuck yea!!

Check out the "exclusive" video on their official website. Sounds like a reunion to me.

2007: The Goods

2008-01-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

Wow this is late. Hey better late than never right? Anyway here is my "Best of 2007" list. Please enjoy. :) Also there will not be a 2008 version of this because I'm a bit isolated from Western pop culture at the moment.

January
Akon – Don’t Matter (single)
I loved this song when it was first released and I still have a soft spot for it. Of course it was overplayed on every music medium at the time. It’s a groovin’ song. That’s not normally a term I use but if you know the song you’ll know what I mean.

January 22
Rage Against The Machine confirm rumours that they reunited and would be playing Coachella. Holy fuck! Are you kidding me? What I would have given to go to Coachella this year or any year for that matter. Always a solid line up. But RATM being back together, that’s sweet! They’ve also scheduled a few dates in Tokyo for next weekend (February 9th and 10th) and because the universe loves us, we were able to get tickets for the Sunday show. I can't fuckin' wait!!!

January 23
Dustin Kensrue – Please Come Home
A solo album from the lead man from Thrice you say? It’s gotta be good. I honestly fell in love with this album right away. My first taste of it came from a friend/local artist in Fredericton who covered “Blood and Wine” at many of his shows. When I first got this album it didn’t leave my stereo for at least a year. I couldn’t stop listening. Even though most of the album has a very folky feel there is some Johnny Cash influence as well. From beginning to end this album makes me smile.
Key Tracks: Blood and Wine, Pistol, I Knew You Before

January 30
Norah Jones – Not Too Late
I’ve been a huge fan of Norah since her 2002 debut album Come Away With Me. She held my attention through Feels Like Home and excited me with The Little Willies. Then Not Too Late was released I must say that I wasn’t completely thrilled, it definitely took a few listens in order for it to catch on. In my opinion it’s definitely not as good as her previous efforts but it’s still listenable.

Lily Allen – Alright Still
OK so I was a little slow catching on to Miss Allen. I don’t think I had even heard her until the summer, thanks to Mr. Jon Bowie. I bought the album right away because I liked Smile so much. This is the perfect “fuck you” album for the chick who just got fucked over by some douchebag or the girl who’s feeling a bit bitter because guys are always all up in her shit. I don’t care if you’re a tom boy, hate female singers or what your deal is, this album is worth a listen.
Key Tracks: Knock ‘em Out, Everything’s Just Wonderful, Take What You Take

The Police announce a reunion tour
I’m not as big of a police fan as some people I know but this was HUGE news. If the tickets weren’t retarded expensive I would have considering going to see them. I’ve heard that they weren’t as good as they could have been. They are getting pretty old so many that had something to do with it. ;)

February 6
Fall Out Boy – Infinity on High
Anyway who says they don’t like Fall Out Boy are lying! There I said it! There is no shame in liking these guys, they write some damn good songs! This album is no exception and I’m not the only one who thinks this way, this album has appeared on every “Best of 2007” list I have read thus far. Aside from the ability to write super catchy pop songs that stay in your head for days, Patrick Stump has some of the best vocals I’ve heard. If you’ve never listened to Fall Out Boy because it’s not “cool” do yourselves a favour and listen. You don’t have to tell anyone that you did, just listen. Please. However try to avoid live tracks/videos, they’re not so good. Unless they’ve improved since I’ve seen them.

February 20
The Operation M.D. – We Have an Emergency
If the name sounds familiar one of the two members is Cone from Sum 41, the other is Todd Morse of H20 and Juliette and the Licks. We Have an Emergency is one of many releases that went unnoticed by many critics this year. The first exposure I had to this album was on Much Music I saw the video for their first single “Sayonara”. This song is rockin’ as is most of the album. If you like garage-y, alternative rock like Juliette and the Licks you should check this album out.
Key Tracks: Sayonara, Chain Reaction

March 5
Arcade Fire – The Neon Bible
Arcade Fire are in my top 10 list of bands I want to see before I die. When I was first introduced to them with Funeral I was hesitant but a few listens later and I was hooked. Neon Bible is yet another brilliant album by these Canadians. Ya gotta love the music that has been growing out of Canada as of late.
Key Tracks: The Well and The Lighthouse, No Cars Go

April 10
From Autumn to Ashes – Holding a Wolf by the Ears
Thanks to this album we can all forget about the atrocity that was Abandon Your Friends. When I started getting into FATA it wasn’t for lyrical content or pretty songs it was because they shredded and I could rock out! It seems they saw the error in their ways and released an album more along the lines of their older albums. From track one this album grabs you and refuses to let go.
Key Tracks: Deth Kult Social Club, Delusions of Grandeur, Travel

April 13
Joel Plaskett Emergency – Ashtray Rock
I would have to say this is tied for 1st on my list of the best albums of 2007, the other album being Against Me!’s New Wave. I heart Joel Plaskett. I remember seeing that lanky bastard at the Chestnut way back in the day. It was that show that solidified my love. It was through my friend Adam which I first heard Ashtray Rock and I fell in love. Not with Adam, with the album.  Joel Plaskett lyrics are always the ones that make you feel connected to the music, if you’re from Canada more specifically the Maritimes. They know how to write a song that people will still be singing at kitchen parties 10 years from now. This album stays on heavy rotation in my stereo.
Key Tracks: Fashionable People, Soundtrack For The Night, Drunk Teenagers, Penny For Your Thoughts

May 1
Mad Caddies – Keep it Going
Oh Mad Caddies and ska how I love you so! I had the pleasure of seeing these guys this year and it was fuckin’ amazing! They never disappoint, especially with this album. Even the slow tracks I don’t mind, State of Mind is one of the best tracks on the album.
Key Tracks: State of Mind, Backyard

May 15
Wilco – Sky Blue Sky
The first thing I’m going to say is that I regret not getting into Wilco a long time ago, therefore not being interested in attending the show they did at The Playhouse in Fredericton. Fuck these guys are good. But of course most of you reading this already know that and have known for some time. As soon as this album begins you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and that’s something that I like to feel once in a while especially when it’s caused by amazing melodies and soothing strings.

June 12
Strung Out – Blackhawks over Los Angeles
I would love to see Strung Out live again. When I saw them in Moncton when they were touring their 2004 release, Exile in Oblivion. Strung Out do not disappoint with this album. Pure rock energy through and through.
Key Tracks: Calling, Downtown

June 19
The White Stripes – Icky Thump
I remember the first time I heard the first single from this album. Jon and I were sitting in his car in the parking lot of our apartment with the radio on. This strange song was playing and we both looked at each other and were like “WTF?”. I thought it sounded like Jack White and lo and behold it was. I have to be honest I was never a big fan of The White Stripes until Get Behind Me Satan when we had a play copy at Music World (R.I.P.). That album was on heavy rotation for a month or so and I was hooked then out came the Cold Mountain soundtrack which Jack contributed a lot to. Let's just say this album also rocks!

July 10
Bad Religion – New Maps of Hell
It’s Bad Religion what can I say? Certainly nothing bad because Erin, Jamie and Kyle would never speak to me again. I have to admit that when I first heard the single I wasn’t overly impressed. Empire Strikes First knocked me on my ass. The more I listen to New Maps of Hell the more it grows on me, the intro kind of throws you for a loop, it's a bit outside the box when it comes to Bad Religion, but once the first track starts you realize it's the Bad Religion we all know and love. Honest Goodbye is a little weak but other than that, the album is pretty solid.
Key Tracks: Heroes and Martyrs, Requium for Dissent

Against Me! – New Wave
FUCKIN’ AWESOME! Do I really need to say much more than that? This album is solid fuckin’ gold.
Key Tracks: Thrash Unreal, New Wave, Up The Cuts, Stop!,

July 17
Yellowcard – Paper Walls
I have to admit I was a little hesitant when I heard that Yellowcard were in the process of writing a new album because their last one was horrible. Lead man Ryan Key was right in saying that Lights and Sounds would alienate a lot of their fans. However after getting that concept album out of their system they turned around and produced an album that rivals Ocean Avenue. Finally you can hear the violin again, which is what pulled many fans to Yellowcard in the first place. This album is solid pop from start to finish, although Dear Bobbie is a bit of a tear jerker.
Key Tracks: The Takedown, Dear Bobbie, Five Becomes Four (sound quality is shit)

August
Ben Lee – New Wave
This is just a fun little addition to my list. Anyone who likes Against Me!’s New Wave has to check out Ben Lee version of the album. Ben Lee was quoted as saying the reason he covered the album was because he, “...fell in love with the album. It is unmistakably a pop masterpiece”. Ben Lee’s stripped down, popified version of the album is one of the best cover sets I’ve ever heard.

October 2007
Godsmack go on hiatus. Finally! I'm tired of hearing these guys.

October 2
Bruce Springsteen – Magic
Yet another brilliant album from Mr. Springsteen. I developed a new found love for the boss. Where The Seeger Sessions was a folk album this album takes us back to old school Springsteen but better. Radio Nowhere, the first single and the first track gives you that feeling where you can't sit still you just have to tap your foot or bob your head.

October 9
A Wilhelm Scream – Career Suicide
It's Wilhelm Scream and they rock hard! That's really all I have to say. Don't even bother downloading this album, go buy it if you haven't already. It's fuckin' tight!
Key Tracks: To 9, Jaws 3 People 0, These Dead Streets

November 13
The Dillinger Escape Plan – Ire Works
It was only recent that I started getting into these "mathcore" guys and how I wish I had got into them sooner. Man! These guys are fuckin' sick! This album is no exception it starts with a punch in the face it just fuckin' hits you and you're held there for the rest of the album. Also one of the many, many awesome bands playing in Tokyo while we are here. Life is good!
Key Tracks: Black Bubblegum, Milk Lizard

Other albums worth listening to
(albums I fuckin' love but was too lazy to write about because I wanted to fuckin' post this thing)

Dashboard Confessional – Shade of Poison Trees

Coheed and Cambria – Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World For Tomorrow

Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light

Saves The Day – Under the Boards

Anti-Flag – A Benefit for Victims of Violent Crime

Every Time I Die – The Big Dirty

Good Clean Fun

2007-12-19T03:23:00.000-08:00

This is the best song since MC Lars "Signing Emo". LOL just LISTEN! There's even a reference to MySpace Tom!!

Metal hand sign abuse...

2007-09-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

The Onion is pretty much the greatest thing ever. Check it out.

Fairytale in... London?

2007-09-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Wow to be a fly on the wall at this apartment. Apparently Pete Doherty (the strung out frontman for Babyshambles and former member of the Libertines) is planning on moving in with Shane McGowan of the Pogues. It's a match made in heaven really.

Check out this article on Exclaim!

Punk's Not Dead...

2007-08-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

... but a large part of it is.

It's a sad day in music, particulary punk music world. Hilly Kristal, founder of CBGB's in New York died on Tuesday. I just found out a few minutes ago.

You can read more about it in this article. Here's another one from MTV

RIP Hilly! You will be missed.

Under a Killing Moon

2007-08-24T11:43:00.001-07:00

So I've been reading up on the new albums that Thrice are releasing over the next 8 months or so and I'm quite intrigued. Here's a press release that goes into a bit of detail of what the 4 albums (fire, earth, water, air) will entail. Also make sure you check out their studio diary, there's a little taste of what some of the albums will sound like.

Thrice are fuckin' geniuses!

Press Release - THRICE Underground Music Scene Heavy-Weights Gear Up To Unleash The First Two Of Their Four-Disc EP Set The Alchemy Index: Vols. I & II - Fire & Water Out October 16th, 2007

Orange, CA- August 23, 2007- The first installment of The Alchemy Index, Vols. I & II: Fire & Water will be available October 16th, 2007, followed in Spring 2008 by Vols III & IV: Earth & Air. By turning the model for rock music on its head, Thrice have exposed the different components that create their signature sound, exploring each factor thoroughly, instead of condensing them to fit with one other. In the process, they’ve created a series of songs that shift from gritty to spacious and scorching to fluid between discs.

“We’re doing something that’s the opposite of what a producer is supposed to do on a record—which is make everything make sense and fit together—whereas this project is all about taking things apart and pushing them one way,” says Teranishi. “We really wanted to try doing things our way this time around, and make this record sound the way we want it to sound, not the way it’s “supposed” to sound.

“Dustin [Kensrue] came up with the idea of using the elements, and separating all of the feels that we normally come up with,” adds bassist Eddie Breckenridge. “That was scary at first, because part of what our sound is, is that combination and the experiment of mixing different feels, but this is actually helping us push each feel in a further direction.”

Thrice fans will likely find the thundering strains of Fire to be the most familiar of the four EPs, with the kind of blistering riffs and captivating melodies the band has built a career upon. From the opening bombast of “Firebreather” to the towering, unforgettable "Burn the Fleet" - with its Elliot Smith meets Isis vibe, is a song representative of the vast dynamics in these albums. Fire exhibits a Thrice who still know how to punish with decibels, and with greater force and impact than ever before. “I’m really happy on how [“Burn The Fleet”] came out,” says drummer Riley Breckenridge, who also resides in the house that holds the band’s studio. “It’s really melancholy, yet crushing.”

Water, on the other hand, offers some of the most subdued textures the band have explored to date, and makes extensive use of a palette of electronic sounds, particularly for rhythms and synthesized effects. Haunting and beautiful, Water is an aural aquatic voyage as serene as it is somber, with the shimmering bliss of “Open Water” naturally coexisting with the dark, moody “The Whaler” and the groundbreaking and evocative instrumental track, “Night Diving.”“For [“Night Diving”], we ended up making this whole plot outline of what’s happening in the song, even though there are no lyrics. That was how we decided on the different movements—when they’d come up, and when they’d come down,” Kensrue says. “It’s the story of this guy diving at night, and the things that he encounters. That was a pretty interesting way to write a song; we definitely had never done anything like that before.”

Kensrue took the elemental theme still further by composing an original sonnet for each EP, set to music, yet organized in the traditional English structure and rhythmic fashion. These passages (“The Flame Deluge” on Fire; and “Kings Upon The Main” for Water) offer powerful sentiments that serve as thought-provoking closers for each EP’s respective journey.“Each sonnet is written from the point of view of the personified element, speaking to mankind, and lamenting our various failings,” explains Kensrue. "The Fire sonnet deals with fire being resentful and ashamed of the way that it’s been used in destruction and war, while the Water sonnet deals with man’s pride, and the futility and idiocy of that pride, when it comes face to face with the power of the sea.”

On The Alchemy Index, Thrice destroyed the rock rulebook and created their most engrossing and accomplished work to date…The true evolution of a band.

Thrice is releasing music videos in installments of one per week for the next 8 weeks. Click below for the first two:
Here is 1/10: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbOMAoIeLKE
Here is 2/10: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSGp1tyak-o

For more information on Thrice and The Alchemy Index please check out www.thrice.net or www.alchemyindex.com and be sure to check them out on their upcoming headline (9 week – 42 dates) tour with Brand New.

Aside from this four album release, Thrice have also switched labels. In June they parted ways with Island Records and found a new home in August with Vagrant Records, which is also home to the Eels, .moneen., Dashboard Confessional, Saves The Day and many others. I have a feeling that these concept albums are going to knock us all on our asses.

Drink, Drank, Punk

2007-08-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

I just got the new (released July 10th) The Unseen album, Internal Salvation. It's quite predictable that I would love these guys considering their uncanny similarities to Anti-Flag. This new album is kickin' my ass. They still sound quite a bit like Anti-Flag but their sound has evolved since State of Discontent. It's obvious that they enlisted the help of a veteran producer for this album, it's much cleaner than any of their other albums. All I can think about when listening to this album is how much fuckin' fun they would be live.

Everyone should listen to this album!! Go get it right now!!!

London is Calling

2007-07-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

I would totally buy this if I had the money. This guitar is sweet!

Emo... a how-to guide

2007-07-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article I just found. It's quite entertaining.

Enjoy

Make Up Your Mind!

2007-05-26T05:20:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have to admit when "Screamo" first started making an appearance in the music scenes in North America, I was intrigued. But as we all know it started being the new "it" thing in the music business and everyone and their fucking dog started playing screamo in their suburban garages with expensive equipment bought by lawyer mom and doctor dad.

It was about this time that many "screamo" bands tried to separate themselves from other screamo bands by becoming more metal, more pop or learning acrobats to perform on stage. And somewhere along the lines it became ok for shitty bands to be just that, shitty. In comes Escape The Fate, a 2005 addition the Epitaphs ever growing and mostly shitty* line up of bands. According to Wikipedia Escape the Fate, "prided itself, above all else, on an energetic and visceral live shows." That sounds about right because they're certainly not concentrating on becoming good song writers.

Why I feel the need to pick on Escape the Fate at this point, besides the fact that I just heard one of their songs on the radio, is because they are exactly the kind of band that I am talking about when I say "make up your mind" (see song The Guillotine). There are a million bands out there that feel that the more extreme they are on the metal side and the equal extreme of pop they demonstrate will put them a cut above. Wrong! It ends up sounding horrible. Imagine gutteral vocals overtop of really bad cheesy guitar licks and tossed around with a bit of emotional declarations of angst. I do realize that I just described most of the screamo bands out there, but crank up the shit factor to about 11 with Escape The Fate. Damn it! Just pick a genre and stick with it, especially if you're not that good in the first place. Get good at one thing at a time instead of being mediocre or bad at a bunch of different things.

There are bands out there that can combine many different genres and make it sound good but my guess is that they've been playing music for longer than these screamo kids have been alive. They're veteran musicians and can do it well. My suggestion to these bands is to play music for a lot longer and then think about (re)creating a genre. No matter how good you think you are, you're not.

It sure does feel good to vent.

Banana

*with the exception of
Atmosphere
Bad Religion
The Bouncing Souls
Cadence Weapon
Converge
Danger Doom
I Am Ghost
The Locust
The Matches
Millencolin
Motion City Soundtrack
Pennywise
Pulley
Some Girls
Vanna
The Weakerthans

Thank you and good night!

Banana

Don't Do Me Like That

2007-04-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

This one is about the worst musical heart break I've ever experienced... I still get a little emotional just thinking about it. :'(

"Come on everybody get loose tonight, throw a hand in the air if ya feelin alright" most of you know this song or are at least familiar with it. This, "Get Loose" along with "Roth Kung Fu" were The Salads first big hits. I didn't take anytime for me to love them, it was instant and easy. I loved ska anyway and these guys were a toned down version of it with all the fun but not as many instruments. Fold A to B never left my stereo.

They made their way out east a few times and I made it a point to attend the show everytime. The first time was at the now defunct Chestnut Club on their Jagermiester tour a show at which my fiances band had the pleasure of playing, back when they were still called El Diablo. The whole show was great, everyone was so full of energy and alcohol. I bought a shirt and I managed to get some pretty great pictures. It was this night that my huge love for The Salads expanded.

Remember how the Chestnut was three floors? Well this night the top floor was for the bands complete with a big screen TV, pool table and a huge spread of alcohol, like buckets of it! I found my way upstairs eventually and somehow lost Breagh on the way. So there we are (by "we" I mean bands, band members girlfriends and random people) hanging out with The Salads, chatting and drinking copious amounts of Jag (which The Salads were sick of by now). A great night for sure.

The next time they came through town I made sure I freed that night on my calendar, there was no way I was going to miss this show. One downfall to the show was that it was being held at Sweetwaters, for whatever reason. But I was still willing to brave hanging out in the worst bar in Fredericton for the Salads. I'm pretty sure the bar and/or the promoters for this show randomly picked where the "stage" would be set up. The band was to play on a lower level of the bar while fans/patrons looked down at them while sitting down. THIS BAR IS NOT CONDUCIVE FOR A ROCK SHOW!! It seemed as though my friends and I were the only ones enjoying the show and letting the music move us. Despite not feeling as though I could really let loose at this show or the next show they played there, I still enjoyed myself because it was The mutha fuckin' Salads!! Oh I almost forgot to mention that shows at Sweetwaters fail miserably in the promotion department.

So after two horrible shows at Sweetwaters I said "fuck it" and decided to get a hold of The Salads and put them in contact with the many promoters I knew in Fredericton. Chuck got back to me and was stoked about getting better shows in the Maritimes. That was in 2005 and they haven't been back since.

In 2006 they released The Big Picture. As soon as it came in the music store I was working at at the time I opened it and played it. As soon as the first track started to play I knew that the Salads I knew and loved were no more, yet I continued to listen thinking that maybe there was a chance that Growing Up was the only track that sounded like Simple Plan. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and let the album play through. I wanted to like this album, I really did 'cause I loved The Salads. They sold out long before this album by selling their songs to Zellers commercials and Dawson's Creek but I was ok with that. Was I was not ok with was they're decision to make a radio-friendly pop-rock shit album. Not only was the music shit, the vocals sounded like some shitty Theory of a Nickel Creed wanna be. It's like they completly forgot about their reggae sound and influences and started only listening to Nickelback (shitty rock) and shitty metal. I could not bring myself to like this album, not even one song or one part/riff of one song. I'm just glad that I didn't go ahead and buy the album before hearing it.

I'm sure they wrote this album to break into the Top 40 and gain themselves a ton of mainstream fans but that didn't even work. Do you hear anything from them now? I don't even think they got medium rotation on the two singles they released. I guess that kind of backfired.

I am obviously getting a little angry writing this so I will leave it at that. Now you know the story of my biggest musical heart break.

Good night.

Banana

It's my Rock 'n Roll Duty...

2007-04-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

... to rock out to Kim Mitchell!! Although I'm not sure it will be the same without the bald head mullet, I'll just imagine it.

So today the city of Bathurst, New Brunswick announced that the headliner for Hospitality Days in July will be none other than Kim Mitchell. I think anyone who grew up in the 1980's owes it to themselves to see Kim Mitchell live if they haven't already. Fuck it! Even if you have you should go again.

Go For Soda, Patio Lanterns and Rock 'n Roll duty were like 3 of my favorite songs as a kid. I know all of you reading this loved those songs too. There's no shame in a fondness for Kim Mitchell. I remember cranking the radio whenever those songs came on then singing and dancing all over my bedroom. Ahh those were the days. Dance parties for one aren't quite the same anymore. In an apartment like mine anyone eating on Dimitris patio or leaving the building out the back are going to witness my wonderful dancing skills... (my apologies I seem to have gotten a little off track, phew, dancing takes a lot of energy)

I've never been to Bathurst but Kim Mitchell seems as good a reason as any to take a trip there. I hope to see some of you obeying your rock 'n roll duty on July 28th along with me and whoever I manage to drag with me. Kyle, you know you wanna go!

Banana

Disaster is an Addiction

2007-03-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

(My apologies for not writing lately, I promise to try to try harder from now on)

For those regular readers of my blog you may also know what I mean by Exclaim! Readers Poll. (For those of you who don't, get to know Exclaim! it's awesome!). Every year Exclaim allows readers to imput their opinions on the best albums and films of the past year. For some reason I decided to give them my two cents worth on what I thought about the releases in 2006. I thought why not I have nothing better to do right now, I would love for people to read what my favorite albums of the past year were and I get a change to win a great prize by doing it. So I made my way to the computer and began my Readers Poll adventure.

After asking the obvious Exclaim! reader questions about your Exclaim! reading habits the form got down to what I was in this adventure for the music categories. They looked a little something like this:

Pop/Rock Album of the Year:
Avant Garde/Experimental Album of the Year:
Electronic Album of the Year:
Punk Album of the Year:
TV collection on DVD of the Year:
DVD reissue/collection of the Year:
Music DVD of the Year:
Soul/Reggae/Global Groove Album of the Year:
Folk/Country/Blues Album of the Year:
Hip-Hop Album of the Year:

Metal/Hardcore Album of the Year:
Film of the Year (movies that were theatrically released in 2005):

Of course Exclaim! knows that not everyone knows what all the releases for all genres are all the time so in order to qualify for a prize they only expect a minimum of three categories to be answered. Being somewhat keen I ended up answering 4 or 5 of course at this point I can't remember any of the answers I provided. I'm sure most of my answers are included somewhere in my Things That Made 2006 That Much Better post.

15-20 minutes later I am finished and it's time to pick my top three prizes. I can't remember exactly what the prize packs were but I'm sure they included a couple instrument packs (ie. Fender, Premier), a couple record label packs (ie. Epitaph, Relapse) and a couple TV/Movie packs (ie. Paramount, 20th Century Fox). After a lot of thinking and a little talking with J-Woo I decided on a couple prize packs.

I didn't give the readers poll a whole lot of thought after I submitted my answers, it was just nice to put my opinions out there. That was until I receive an e-mail from some guy called Cam Lindsay who claimed to be from Exclaim telling me "Congratulations! You've won a prize from Exclaim!'s Readers Poll" and "we just need a little more personal information". Hooray!! See, I am one of those people that don't win a god damn thing regardless of the number of contests etc. I enter. It seems it was my lucky day. So I replied with the information requested with no regard for the possibility that this very well could have been a scam. I was too excited about winning a prize to think about something so negative. This was back at the beginning of February and I assumed that in a few weeks I would be receiving my prize. A week came and went and then another and another. On February 24th I decided to e-mail this Cam fellow to see where the hell my free stuff was and expected a reply shortly after he received the e-mail. I think he went on vacation this week 'cause I didn't hear anything back and ended up forgetting about the prize all together.

A month goes by and I came home for lunch like I always do and there is a box proped up against my apartment door. My first thought is "what have I ordered off the internet lately" of course nothing came to mind. So I picked up the box and carried it inside. I wanted to build the suspense for a little longer so I took the time to take off my shoes and coat and start my dinner. I glanced at the box and right away notice the label, it read "Relapse Records". I obviously had picked the Relapse prize pack when I filled out the readers poll. Yay! FREE STUFF!! I wasted no time in tearing into the box to see what they had sent me. After having pieces of all that wonderful styrofoam sick to me and wading through layers of my favorite wrap, the bubble type I finally find my first prize. A pile of stickers and some pins. They're obviously pushing The End really hard because they included like 8 Elementary stickers compared to the other bands in which they only included 2. The second thing I spotted was a T-shirt, I'm already well aware that there is no way they included a shirt that would even come close to fitting me. It was a large, at least it will fit J-Woo. Next! I then find 4 7" singles from a couple bands that I've never heard of nor can barely read their name because of the metal font they used. We own a record player so at least I can listen to them. After looking at my new 7"s I dive into the box again to find 4 piles of CD's. Jackpot! There's like 16 CD's in there!! I almost shit my pants. Many of the bands I hadn't heard of but who knows my new favorite band might be hiding in there somewhere.

I decided not to open the CD's just yet. Because I'm such a great girl I decided to wait until J-Woo was home and we would open them together. J-Woo and I have this weird thing where we really enjoy opening new CD's and DVD's and there's hell to pay if one of us opens a new CD that was purchase by the other person. So just like that our night was all planned out, thanks to Relapse and Exclaim! Being able to open this many CD's is like every OCD's dream come true but proved to be more of a pain in the ass than pleasurable experience. For some reason Relapse likes to put their promotional stickers onto the actually CD case instead of the plastic. So because J-Woo is better at taking stickers off we decided that would be his job for the night and I would get to take the wrapper and sticker across the top off (He totally got the shitty end of this deal).

And so it began, hours of unwrapping my box of new CD's. I love opening CD's, I probably wouldn't had I not learned a neat little trick while working at Music World. Thanks Patrick! You thought I was going to tell the secret didn't you? Fat chance! If you really want to know you'll have to ask.

The excitement began but I'm sorry to say it was short lived. After 6 CD's or so it started to feel more like a chore. I can only imagine what it would have been like for those who hate opening CD's. It's hard enough for those who don't know the trick to get the wrapper started but when you do you feel like you're in the home stretch. Sadly that's not always the case because sometimes you get half the wrapper off and the rest stays in place and you can't just pull it off like a pillow case. You either have to wiggle it off or try to start another rip to get it off. I really don't recommend trying to open a CD while driving, this could prove to be very dangerous. This task takes all of ones concentration. And as if it weren't bad enough having impossible plastic to deal with you then have a sticker that covers three sides of the case. Arrggg! Of course thanks to Patrick yet again there is a simple way to get these off. Without this advice you're stuck with a sticker that is coming off in pieces. I've seen many people just cut the sticker with a knife to get into the CD and then the sticker remains a part of the CD for as long as that person owns it. I'm sure these are the same people who cut the stickers on their DVDs as well. I don't know what it is, maybe a little OCD but I can't stand having any sort of packaging left on my stuff. It's like the people that used to leave the wrapper on their VHS tapes and leave an opening at the bottom to get the tape out of. Really what is the point of this? My apologies, I've gotten slightly off track.

So needless to say I had difficulties with my task of opening the CD's. J-Woo had even more trouble than I. Sticker duty is the worst especially when the don't come off cleanly the first try. I've tried numerous tricks for this including cooking oil, and tape but neither trick has worked 100% of the time. I'm still searching for that perfect trick. Maybe I should call the ladies that host How Clean is Your House? they have all kinds of tricks.

Anyway the moral of the story is most of the bands on Relapse are dirty, dirty metal. :)

Hope you enjoyed my story.

Banana

Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song

2007-03-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

"But some of my friends are big people. They are famous, sensitive and talented
Their names are household words"

Those of you that keep up with my ramblings here might know that the title of my previous blog was taken from a line from a Squaredance Kid song, "A Song For Oak Point". For those of you that don't know, Squaredance Kid is my friend Jon Bowie and this blog is dedicated to him because he finally has a recording up on his myspace. I'm so proud and excited. I want the whole world to experience and enjoy his music as much as I do. So please check him out.

Luv Banana

We are all friends, brothers and cousins

2007-02-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Like most of my blog titles this title was borrowed from a song I know, by a guy I love dearly

So last week I attended a potluck at a friends house and to be honest it was probably the best party I've been to in a really long time if not ever. This entire house is so musical. Everyone who lives there plays some sort of instrument and has an amazing passion for music. The entire night consisted of listening to, watching and/or talking about music. We couldn't get through an entire song/album without one of the guys getting super excited about a band or song they just thought of that had to be played at that moment. I felt completly comfortable there with my own kind. Although I don't play an instrument (though I am learning) I have a great passion for music, that's why I write about it on here because I'm not yet at the point where I can express myself musically. Another thing that really stuck out to me about these people was that even though they clearly know a lot about music they weren't arrogant about it nor did they make other people feel less than just because they may not be as well versed in music as they are.

Why this party is so significant to me is because I'm used to parties at our house that usually consist of us playing Nintendo and watching cartoons or sitcoms on TV. I don't mind this, but I much prefer to talk to the people at my party and have music playing at the same time. Although many of our friends are musical many are not and thus we can't have parties like the one I attended last week.

I'm possibly going to a party tomorrow night and many of the people there will be the friends I spoke of who are very musical. So needless to say there will be a lot of music being played and talked about. However I don't think that some of these people realize that I do in fact know a lot about music. There are some things I don't know and am still learning. I think these things will come as I get better at guitar. There are a lot of things that just listening to music can't teach you, things that you have to play to understand.

When I was growing up I didn't realize that music existed beyond the radio or high school kids who played shows. The people in my life that would have been the ones to introduce me to music outsde my little box were sheltered musically themselves. My family has never been a very musical family on my mom or dads side there were always more important things to do with your time than listen to music. Now that I think of it there were a few family members who played instruments but it was never shared with the family. In her younger years my grandmother played piano, my grandfather played steel guitar and one of my uncles played guitar. But like I said it was strictly a solitary activity, they played/practiced in a bedroom by themselves. I wonder what family gatherings would have been like had these abilities been shared with the rest of us?

It might seem that I'm using my musically sheltered childhood as an excuse but I'm not. I want people who have sharing musical families to realize how fortunate they are to have them. (*you know who you are) I love you guys! :)

And on that note, I'm done.

Banana

Blame it on the rain

2007-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

I never thought I would ever see this.

Milli Vanilli film 'in pipeline'

Milli Vanilli sold 30 million singlesNotorious pop duo Milli Vanilli are to be the focus of a film about their fall from grace, reports say.

Universal Pictures is developing the film about the pair who were stripped of a Grammy award after it emerged they had never sung on their records.

The duo lip-synched on hits including 1989 single Girl You Know It's True.

Hollywood trade paper Daily Variety said the film had the backing of former member Fabrice Morvan and the estate of colleague Rob Pilatus who died in 1998.

Overdose

The paper reports the film will be written and directed by Jeff Nathanson, who wrote Catch Me If you Can starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.

"I've always been fascinated by the notion of fakes and frauds, and in this case, you have guys who pulled off the ultimate con, selling 30 million singles and 11 million albums and then becoming the biggest laughing stocks of pop entertainment," Variety reports Nathanson as saying.

Milli Vanilli lost their Best Newcomer Grammy in 1990 after it was revealed that neither actually sang on the Milli Vanilli album. The tracks had been recorded by session singers.
Pilatus died of a drug and alcohol overdose in a hotel room in Germany in 1998.

Shout at the Devil

2007-02-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

This is an article sent out by Agnostic Front through myspace. This is probably the funniest thing I've ever read. I'm going straight to hell... man I love the Devils music!!!

GOTH MUSIC - THE DEVIL'S GREATEST TRICK
Over 30 years ago a woman named Dorothy Retallack conducted experiments using music, plants and their combined environment. These results are famous. Taking two identicle sets of plants in two separated but identicle rooms, she exposed them to music. The first set of plants were played quiet placid subdued devotional "religious" classical music, while the other set were subjected to loud aggressive rock music played at full deafening volume 24 hours a day. The plants exposed to rock grew away from the music source, withered and died, while the plants that were played religious music grew towards the music source and thrived.

The lesson? If rock music attacks and kills plants, what does it do to people? I think it's rather obvious - it does the exact same thing!

THIS ARTICLE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WHEN COMPLETE IT WILL INCLUDE A HISTORY OF GOTH AND ROCK MUSIC, WHERE GOTH MUSIC REALLY COMES FROM, IT'S LINKS TO VOODOO AND RITUAL SACRIFICE, AND WHAT THE BIBLE HAD TO SAY ABOUT IT.

IN THE MEANTIME, HERE IS A SHORT LIST OF ANTI-CHRISTIAN MUSIC THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED LIKE THE PLAGUE TO ALL WHO WISH TO BE IN GOD'S FAVOUR.

People have been asking us what albums are 'safe' to listen to. Obviously we feel it's not who you should be listening to, it's who you should be protesting against that counts.Burning records and smashing up CDs of the most sick and anti-Christian artist.

As a good guidline, if you are unsure in any way ask yourself this. Does the band / music you wish to listen to include any of the following themes - RebellionViolenceNihilism (belief in nothing)EscapismDrugs / AlcoholismSexual Perversion, Self-MutilationDissonant / Offensive SoundThe OccultAnti-God / Anti-AuthorityCult-like Organization, Terrorism

If so, you should steer well clear. As the Bible teaches us anything that promotes or embraces any of these factors is prodominantly anti-Christian, and against all that God stands for. Obviously we cant name every band we would like to see banned or made child-safe, so we will give but a few you should definetly avoid like the plague.

AC/DC: song Hell's Bells, inspired "Night Stalker" serial killer, pentagrams on album art (Highway to Hell), violent cover art (If You Want Blood You Got It), guitarist admitted to being 'possessed' while on stage.

Aerosmith: drug and alcohol abuse, equating sex and religion on "Angel"

Agnostic Front: violent and rebellion-themed album art (Cause for Alarm)

Amen: objectionable album art (Disorderly Conduct)

Anthrax: violent album art (Fistful of Metal)

Bad Religion: objectionable band name, objectionable album art (Back to the Known)

Bauhaus: backwards Latin Satanic incantation in "Father, Son & Holy Ghost", Satanic imagery, anti-christian lyrics

Beastie Boys: more than 90 references to drug and alcohol abuse on Licensed to Ill

Birthday Party: likened Jesus to "bad seed", indecipherable lyrics about "post-crucifixion baby"

Black Flag: violent and suicide-themed album art (Family Man)

Black Market Baby: objectionable band name and album art (Senseless Offerings)

Black Sabbath: number of the beast, crucifixion imagery, objectionable album art (Born Again, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath)

Blaspheme: objectionable band name and album art (Last Supper)

David Bowie: occult, recorded "Quicksand" about Crowley

Celtic Frost: use crucifix as slingshot on album cover (To MegaTherion), occult links, rebellion

Christian Death: Gnosticism, sex- and occult-themed album art (Only Theatre of Pain, The Scriptures, Sex and Drugs and Jesus Christ, What's the Verdict)

Coil: devotees of Aleister Crowley

Alice Cooper: on-stage mutilation, rebellion, "School's Out"prevents mice from solving mazes, objectionable album art (Constrictor)

Cramps: "degraded" sexuality (Date With Elvis)

Crass: crucifixion-themed album art (Christ the Album, Yes Sir I Will)

Crown of Thorns: objectionable band name and album art (Pictures)

Cure (The): alcohol abuse, blasphemy in "The Blood" and "Holy Hour", Satanic imagery in artwork

Cradle of Filth: openly satanic music, tshirts proclaiming 'jesus is a c*nt, mockery of Christ, anti-christian lyrics

Danzig: Use satanic imagery

Damned: crown of thorns imagery (Grimly Fiendish)

Dark Angel: objectionable band name and album art (Darkness Descends)

Dark Wizard: objectionable album art (Reign of Evil)

Dead Kennedys: objectionable album art (In God We Trust, Inc.)

Death: objectionable album art (Scream Bloody Gore)

Death Cult: objectionable album art (Death Cult)

Depeche Mode: songs about sex and sadomasochism, recorded "Blasphemous Rumors"

Deftones: rebellious message, encourage violence

Deicide: vocalist claims to be antichrist, burns inverted crosses on his head, blaspemous lyrics, satanic imagery

Dickies: mock Jesus on album art (Second Coming)

Electric hellfire club - promote satanic ideologies

Eurythmics: "Missionary Man" warns listeners away from salvation

Exodus: album art shows union of God and Satan

Frankie Goes to Hollywood: rebellion, songs about sex and sadomasochism, objectionable album art (Welcome to the Pleasure Dome), ruined Live Aid, homosexuality

Diamanda Galas: recorded album Litanies of Satan, proclaimed herself the Anti-Christ ("Sono l'Antichristo"), provided music for voodoo-themed movie The Serpent & the Rainbow, objectionable album art (Divine Punishment)

Good Charlotte: nihilism, rebellious lyrics 'young and hopeless'

Godsmack: voodooGeneration X: objectionable album art (Valley of the Dolls)

Guns n Roses: "sexual violence" in music, album art; inverted cross (Appetite for Destruction)

Helloween: objectionable album art (Keeper of the Seven Keys, Part 2)

Jimi Hendrix: hypnotizing people through music, choking on own vomit, voodoo rhythms, rebellion, violence, "If 6 Was 9" used in interstitials

Billy Idol: rebellion, fake crucifixion in "Hot in the City" video, mock crosses in "White Wedding" video

Impaler: objectionable album art (Rise of the Mutants EP), eating raw meat on stage

INXS: recorded song "Devil Inside", comitted suicide

Iron Maiden: mascot Eddie told fan to kill himself; neuromancy, occult, rebellion, objectionable album art (Killers, The Number of the Beast, Seventh Son of a Seventh Son)

Janes Addiction: drug abuse, objectionable album art (Nothing's Shocking)

Judas Priest: suicide, rebellion, objectionable album art (Hell Bent for Leather, Sin After Sin)

Killing Joke: mock Christianity in video, promote satanic ideologies

KISS: bloody stage show, sex, rebellion, violence

KMFDM - promote satanic ideologies

Kreator: objectionable album art (Pleasure to Kill)

Led Zeppelin: backmasked messages and references to Pan on "Stairway to Heaven", Zoso = number of the beast

Marlyn Manson - too many to mention here, blasphemy, ties to Church of Satan, mocks God, rebellion

Megadeth: occult, rebellion, objectionable album art (Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good)

Mercyful Fate: "take their Satanism seriously", rebellion, occult, objectionable album art (Don't' Break the Oath)

Metal Church: objectionable album art (Metal Church)

Metallica: promote suicide on "Fade to Black"

Monster Magnet - Use occult symbols on album art

Moonspell - songs about vampirism, paganism

Motley Crüe: equate sex and violence, used pentagram in album art (Shout at the Devil)

Motörhead: crucifixion-themed album art (unknown source)

Mudvayne - promote satanic ideologies

My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult: Satanic message, objectionable album art (I See Good Spirits & I See Bad Spirits)

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Satanic imagery

Ozzy Osbourne: rebellion, attacking Jim Bakker in "Miracle Man", satanic imagery on album art (Blizzard of Ozz, No Rest for the Wicked), promote suicide on "Suicide Solution", released album Mr. Crowley devoted to Aleister Crowley, scary face

Offspring: rebellion

Papa Roach - Use occult symbology on album art

Jimmy Page: "one of the leading occultists of the rock generation," owns occult bookstore, bought Aleister Crowley's former home and had it refurbished by a Satanic decorator

Pink Floyd: lyrics about rebellion

Poison Idea: mutilation-themed album art (Kings of Punk)

Iggy Pop/the Stooges: bloodletting at concert

Linkin Park: encourage violence, rebellious lyrics

Nirvana: nihilism, anti-christian lyrics, violent lyrics, song 'rape me', mock the crucifixion, singer committed suicide, hardly a role model for fans everywhere, and lead to fans commiting suicide to emulate him.

Nine inch Nails: rebellious lyrics, nihilism, sex, sick lyrics 'f*ckyou like an animal/closer to God'

Possessed: general Satanism and witchcraft

Psychic TV: music arm of Crowley-linked sect Thee Temple of Psychick Youth, objectionable album art (Live at Thee Circus)

Queen: backmasking, drug abuse, open homosexuality, singer died of aids

Rammstein - all lyrics in German (The language of Hitler)

Red Hot Chili Peppers - use occult symbols on album art, rebellion, inspired violence and arson at Glastonberry '99

Rolling Stones: recorded song "Sympathy for the Devil" on At Her Satanic Majesty's Request, objectionable album art (Goats Head Soup, Undercover, Tattoo You), bankrolled sect called the Process, made satanic movie Invocation of My Demon Brother

Sex Pistols: rebellion, self-mutilation, Rotten designed t-shirt with upside-down crucifixion

Sepultura - promote satanic ideologies

Siouxsie and the Banshees: recorded song "Sin in My Heart"

Sister: pentagrams

Sisters of Mercy: Satanic imagery

Slayer: used pentagram on album art, lyrics glorifying the Devil (Reign in Blood)

Slipnot: use satanic imagery on album art, violence in lyrics

Smiths: Satanic imagery

Sonic Youth: obsessed with death ("Death Valley '69")

Spooky Tooth: album cover depicts Jesus with hand nailed to head (Ceremony)

Suicidal Tendencies: pentagrams

Suicide: promote suicide

Therion: promote satanic ideologies

Tori Amos: 'father lucifer' satanic lyrics, claimed she wanted to marry satan in interview

Throbbing grissle: promote satanic ideologies

Twisted Sister: rebellion, violent album art (Stay Hungry)

Venom: album title Welcome to Hell, pentagram and goat imagery

White Zombie: Anti-Christian imagery

And of course all black metal bands, as all promote nazi, pagan and anti Christian ideologies. I do hope this helps for starters.

I’m Blue (da ba dee)

2007-01-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

Why is it that synthesized vocals are now the “it” thing or at least well on their way to being it? I was just at home on my lunch break and I turn on Much Music (why I insist on torturing myself I don’t know). Anyway I turn the channel to be greeted by this horrific song. ALL of the vocals in the song are processed through a synthesizer just like, you guessed it, Eiffel 65s first and only huge hit (I guess they did have that other song years later). But really, what is the point of these vocals? Is it because you never really learned how to sing and this is a way to cover it up? How about doing us all a favour and not singing at all! If you need auto tune and synthesizers I don’t think singing is what you’re supposed to be doing with your life.

I guess I can kind of see putting a small amount of synthed vocals in a song to give it a little extra something as long as it’s in good taste. The song I am referring to is Hellogoodbye’s Here (In Your Arms). Please take a listen.

That's all for now

The Banana

Summer Music Festivals

2007-01-24T14:03:00.000-08:00

It seems a little early to be talking about summer music festivals but I can't wait for winter to be over plus I just saw the line-up for Coachella this year. It's not a summer festival but it's close enough. Good god I want to go!! RAGE will back together for this show. The Arctic Monkeys will be there along with RHCP, Sonic Youth, Rufus, Willie, Against Me! I'm about to shit my pants right now... I think I just did.

This line-up is insane... check it out

!!!
Jacks Mannequin
Air
Jarvis Cocker
Amos Lee
Jose Gonzales
Amy Winehouse
Julieta Venegas
Anathallo
Junior Boys
Andrew Bird
Justice
Arcade Fire (The)
Kaiser Chiefs
Arctic Monkeys
Kings of Leon
Avett Brothers
Klaxons
Benny Benassy
Kokono No. 1
Bjork
LCD Soundsystem
Black Keys
Lily Allen
Blonde Redhead
Lupe Fiasco
Bojones
Manu Chao
Brazilian Girls
Mika
Brother Ali
Mike Relm
Busdriver
MSTRKRFT
Circa Survive
New Pornographers
Coco Rosie
Nickel Creek
Comedians of Comedy
Nightwatchman
Cornelius
Noisettes
Coup (The)
Of Montreal
Cribs (The)
Ozomatli
Crowded House
Paul Van Dyk
CSS
Peaches
Damien Rice
Peeping Tom
Decemberists
Peter, Bjorn & John
Digitalism
Pharaohe Monche
DJ Heather
Placebo
DJ Shadow
Pop Levi
Erol Alkan
Rage Against The Machine
Evil Nine
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Explosions in the Sky
Regina Spektor
Fair to Midland
Richie Hawtin
Faithless
Rodrigo Y Gabriella
Feeling (The)
Roky Erickson and the Explosives
Felix Da Housecat
Roots
Fountains of Wayne
Rufus Wainwright
Frames (The)
Satellite Party
Fratellis
Silversun Pickups
Ghostface Killah
Sonic Youth
Gillian Welch
Soulwax
Girl Talk
Spank Rock
Gogol Bordello
Sparklehorse
Gotan Project
Stephen Marley feat Jr. Gong
Grizzly Bear
Tapes 'n Tapes
Happy Mondays
The Fields
Hot Chip
The Good, The Bad and The Queen
The Kooks
Travis
The Rapture
VNV Nation
Tiesto
We Are Scientists
Tilly and the Wall
Willie Nelson
Tokyo Police Club
Yeva

Talking about any other music festivals at this point seems insignificant. But I will anyway.

Of course my personal favorite when it comes to summer music festivals is the Vans Warped Tour. The Warped Tour is over 10 years old and is becoming corporate whores more and more each year however Kevin Lyman and his staff still do manage to bring great punk rock bands to the tour each year, even if there are only one or two.

So far for the 2007 tour we have on board Coheed and Cambria, Bad Religion, The Unseen and Pennywise (these are the only ones to me that are worth mentioning at this point). Those are some great bands, I would love to go to Warped Tour again this year and I would if I wasn't going to Japan two weeks after the Montreal date. Years past bands like Anti-Flag, Against Me!, NOFX, Bouncing Souls, The Casualties, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Less Than Jake, Rise Against, The Vandals, Suicide Machines, The Sainte Catherines, Dropkick Murphys, Dillinger Escape Plan , Strung Out, Thrice among many, many others have been on board for the tour. On the surface this seems like a pretty good line up for a one day music festival however these bands (the great ones) only make up approximately 25% of the bands on the tour each year. The remaining 75% consists of bands catering to the 14-16 year old kids like Hellogoodbye, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Billy Talent, The Pink Spiders and Escape the Fate.

As much as I hate most of those bands I still really enjoy myself when I go to Warped Tour. In part I think I'm trying to hold onto my youth but moreso it's my love for all things music that keep me coming back even when there are only 5 out of 60 bands I really want to see. That's love baby!

Aside from Coachella and Warped Tour there are some other North American annual festivals that have gained a lot of popularity.

Taste of Chaos - Warped Tour for "Hardcore" kids. (The Used, Atreyu, Bleed the Dream, Funeral for a Friend, Killswitch Engage, Opiate for the Masses, Underoath and Unearth)

Family Values Tour - Hard Rock (Korn, Staind, Deftones, Linkin Park)

Gigantour - Heavy Metal (Lamb of God, Opeth, Megadeth

Lollapalooza - Alt. Rock/pop/dance (RHCP, Gnarls Barkley, Ryan Adams, Flaming Lips, Wilco, Hot Chip, ...Trail of Dead etc)

Bonnaroo - hip hop/jazz/bluegrass/country/electronica/reggae (The Police, Tool, Ben Harper, The Roots, Gov't Mule, Ziggy Marley etc)

Ozzfest - Heavy Metal (System of A Down, Black Label Society, Mastodon, Arch Enemy)

Sounds Of The Underground - Heavy Metal (very similar to Ozzfest)

Please keep in mind that all of the above mentioned festivals occurred in 2006 but there is no guarantee that they are happening in 2007 as well. Many of them have yet to release any news concerning a possible 2007 tour.

I highly recommend trying to get to one of these or another musical festival as part of your summer vacation. There is nothing that compares to sharing a love of music with tens of thousands of other people in person.

Until next time, I'm the Banana

Where’s My Remote Control?

2007-01-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

Could it be that the music that I consider classic, the music that changed the way the music scene was going and moved it towards a better direction has become irrelevant? I don’t want to admit it but I think that for many it has.

Go to any high school and just look around, look through the sea of black and take note of the t-shirts many of them are wearing. Bands shirts obviously, but look closely at the shirts the males students are wearing. No, you’re not seeing things they are actually wearing Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd and AC/DC shirts.

Now at first I thought that this was a product of parents who grew up in the 1970s and continue to listen to “classic rock” in their children’s presence. An after thought to that was that perhaps these band logos have become the new “in” thing and that these kids didn’t realize that the names and logos were actually artists and album covers of bands that existed in the 1970s (not unlike the clichéd image of Bob Marley, but I’ll save that for another post).

I believed these things right up until one of the aforementioned kids ventured into the record store I worked at on his lunch break and actually purchased an album that was released in the 1970s, I wish I could remember what he bought. “They actually listen to these bands” I said to myself. It really is surprising how many kids have “Highway to Hell” loaded on their iPods. I don’t ever remember a time when teenagers liked or would admit to liking their ‘rents music. I certainly didn’t, at least not until I matured musically and realized that not all of what my parents were listening to was crap. The 1970s carried a lot of truly fascinating and great musicians. Could it be these kids are more musically mature than most of the people I know when they were that age? Hmm, I think not.

Now back to the issue at hand. Who I was referring to in my opening statements about music that I consider classic were bands like Nirvana and The Beatles. These bands are considered classics even beyond me, on a much larger scale yet there are still people out there who have no idea who they are. HOW CAN THIS BE?!?!?! This truly blows my mind. Kids spend a high percentage of their time on the internet; do they not browse the internet and read while they’re myspacing and chatting? Do they not watch Much More Music or MTV? There is even at least one person out there (who lives in Fredericton) who doesn’t know who U2 is. Have these people lived their entire lives in monasteries with no access to the outside world? Even if you don’t listen to music you have to know who these bands are, they’re mentioned in movies, on TV even on talk radio programs. Everyone should know who these bands are and what they did for music.

It makes me sad that Nirvana has become irrelevant for this generation of music listeners (at least some of them). I liked it better when I was naive and believed that the legend that is Nirvana would live on and everyone would know and remember them for years to come. Reality bites!

Things that I'm not sure what to think about from 2006...

2006-12-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

May 2
Tool – 10,000 Days
I didn’t get into Tool back when they were really popular, and nothing has changed. I’m still not a big fan. I do know that this was a huge release this year. It sold out in a lot of stores in the first couple days. That’s insanity. I didn’t think there were still that many Tool fans left in the world. The packaging for the album turned out to be really cool it had built in 3D glasses to look at the liner notes with.

Pearl Jam – S/T
Another huge release for record companies and a lot of fans, it also came out the same day which made stores extra busy. I really like old Pearl Jam like VS. and ten but after those albums I kind of stopped paying attention. I thought I’d give this album the benefit of the doubt but I was kind of disappointed. I’m sure real fans of the band would see this album differently. Nothing really stuck out as being really good on the album, nothing really caught my attention.

August 8
Slayer – Christ Illusion
Also have never been a big fan of Slayer, I think that’s mostly due to the fact that the people I knew that listened to Slayer, Iron Maiden and other similar bands were dirt bags. Apparently that really affected me. But again this was yet another big release, hype-wise, a lot of people were talking about it, even those who didn’t even plan to buy it when it was released.

November 14
Plus 44 – When Your Heart Stops Beating
The more I listen to it the more I like it. Even though I don’t want to (see Angels and Airwaves). I haven’t decided if they have made this year better or worse, I guess they’ll have more of an impact on the early part of 2007 than they did in 2006.

Please feel free to comment on any of the views I have expressed here and in previous posts. I would especially like to hear opinions on the new Tool, Pearl Jam and Slayer from people who are fans of the bands. Please enlighten me and let me know where these albums stand in comparison to previous albums.

Thanks,
Banana

Things that we could have done without in 2006...

2006-12-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

February 28
Hawthorne Heights – If Only You Were Lonely
Say hello to what was the bain of my existence for a good part of 2005 and 2006. This band is one of the many bands that comedian Brian Posehn were referring to in “Metal by Numbers”. They are absolutely horrible but really I couldn’t have expected much more, they are signed to Victory Records.

May 23
Angels and Airwaves – We Don’t Need to Whisper
Here we have one of the million Blink 182 spin offs. I love blink 182 but I’m getting really tired of the members of blink 182 doing bad projects. This album had a lot of hype surrounding it but in my opinion it did not even come close to living up to it.

June 6
Metallica play their new song (yet to be titled) for the first time in Berlin
I just really wish that they would stop trying to play music. They really should have given up after the Black album because after that it all went to shit and they hit rock bottom with St. Anger. Don’t even get me started with that album, that’s an entire blog all on its own. If you haven’t heard it just read the lyrics that all you have to do to realize the garbage that it is. It does sound promising that Rick Rubin (Red hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, System of a Down) is producing it but its Metallica, nowadays no one can make them sound good, especially when they couldn’t write a decent song to save their lives. I just read this album is due out in the spring of 2007, at least I’ll have something to talk about at the end of next year as well. Thank you Metallica!

June 20
Nelly Furtado – Loose
The title says it all. Nelly Furtado has been another pop star whore. Oops, I’m sorry I mean “Promiscuous Girl”. The so-called role models that are spread all over the media are teaching girls to be sluts. That seems like a great idea! I remember when pop stars were simplistic, innocent girls that little girls like myself looked up to. We didn’t look up to them because they could get any boy they wanted but because they could sing, sometimes write their own songs and dance. Remember Debbie Gibson? Tiffany? I’m really hoping by the time I have a little girl, the pop industry will turn around and head towards a more innocent image. I mean the slut image will get tired eventually won’t it? I certainly hope so.

June 27
Crazy Frog Presents More Crazy Hits
Anything that stems from an internet joke should be aborted at conception; this idea shouldn’t have been allowed past the board room let alone materialized a second time. I don’t care to hear this, hearing a piece of a song once is enough for me, enough for anyone!

August 22
Paris Hilton – Paris
It was actually earlier in the year when I realized the world was officially coming to an end. Paris Hilton had a single? I had heard the rumors but tried to ignore it in the hopes it would go away but it didn’t, it just kept coming. As much as I hated to admit it, “Stars are Blind” was not a horrible song but there was no way I was endorsing anything that had to do with Paris Hilton. The girl that’s famous because her dad owns the Hilton Hotels and she parties all the time?!? Fuck I know tons of girls that could drink her under the table! As for the album, I’m convinced that she’s pulling a Milli Vanilli and doesn’t actually sing on the album others are saying that auto tune was her best friend on the album, either way it’s crap!

September 19
Fergie – The Dutchess
The Dutchess, gimme a break she’s not even the greatest member of the Black Eyed Peas although the Elephunk album was pretty good. All I ask is that if you can handle it, just listen to the single off this album for yourself, I can’t tell if she’s singing or talking. I mean it’s a good song to shake your ass but that’s it. And what’s even better is a while ago I saw a magazine with her on the cover and it said and I quote “Find out what Fergie did before she started BEP”. The Black Eyed Peas were around long before Fergie came around. Ya wanna know what she did before BEP? I’ll tell you, she was a member of a shitty unknown pop group called Wild Orchid. I’m really tired of seeing this girl.

October 15
CBGB hosts its final show featuring Patti Smith before closing and announces it’s moving to Las Vegas after a lengthy rent dispute. This is by far the shittiest thing to happen all year. This was the birthplace of punk in America, where many now famous hardcore bands made names for themselves including Gorilla Biscuits, the Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front, Sick of It All, Reagan Youth, Warzone, and Youth of Today. So much history exists withing the walls of CBGBs, I only wish I had been able to attend a show there before Hilly Kristal closed it’s doors. Hilly has been quoted as saying he plans on gutting the location in New York and taking as much as he possibly can (including walls and urnals) to the Las Vegas location and auctioning off what he doesn’t want off on ebay. I’ll be watching eBay like a hawk for a piece of that history.

Panic! At The Disco – A Fever You Can't Sweat Out
This album was actually released in the fall of 2005 but P!atD (apparently this is short hand for Panic! At the Disco) didn't actually release any singles until 2006 so it was this year that I grew to like, love, and hate them all in a couple months. I'm not proud to say that I liked them but I never went so far as to buy the album I didn't need to I heard it everyday at work. Thanks Carmen! It was a member of Fall Out Boy who found P!atD, I think we could have figured that out on our own considering they sound exactly like Fall Out Boy right down to the voice of the lead singer. I think one Fall Out Boy and one Pete Wentz is enough for now.

Guns n Roses
So they're finally on tour. Rumours have been ongoing about new material for almost 10 years now. I really think Axl should just give up. I mean Guns n Roses’ hay day is long over, they’re never going to recover the stardome or fanbase that they once had, especiallly not with an album that has been in production for almost ten years at a cost of over $15 million. That according to Wikipedia. Also for the crotch rock that G n R play is it really necessary to have 8 members? It’s reported that Chinese Democracy is finally being released this coming spring. I would be really surprised if it actually came out on time considering it’s and Axle’s history.

September 2006
Rock Star Supernova
I admit I really enjoyed watching this season of Rock Star, I also really liked Rock Star INXS. The contestants actually have previous experience in bands, writing original material and playing intruments, they’ve been working really hard on making a career out of playing music. They’ve put their time in and deserve this chance. The contestants on American and Canadian Idol where they have not had much previous experience and most of them couldn’t write their way out of a wet paper bag. They don’t deserve the chance they’ve been given. Back to the topic at hand. I guess I can understand why Lukas Rossi was chosen to front Tommy Lee’s super band, he’s “different”. I guess he can sing but I really can’t stand the way he sings, it’s too similar to all those new cock rock bands like Theory of a Nickel Creed. They should have picked Toby. More importantly they should have picked a better name.

How could I forget?

2006-12-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

April 25
Gnarls Barkley – St. Elsewhere

I can not believe that I forgot about this album in my first post. What the hell? This is definitely one of my top albums of this year. I LOVE this album!!! I can’t even describe in words how brilliant this album is. For those of you who don’t know this is a collaboration album between Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green. You may remember Danger Mouse from such albums as the Grey Album (mash up of The Beatles White album and Jay-Z’s Black Album). These two guys are geniuses. The album flows, but also each song is its own. Again this is another album that I can’t pin point specific songs to check out; you have to experience it as a whole. Don’t even bother to download it, just spend the money and buy it. It’s so worth it.

Things that made 2006 that much better...

2006-12-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

I’ve been seeing best/worst of music 2006 lists popping up everywhere and I don’t necessarily agree with most of what these people are saying, so I decided to assemble my own list compiling the best and worst in the world of music in 2006 through my eyes and ears. My list ended up being a lot bigger than I had expected so I have split it up into three parts, Things that made 2006 that much better, Things we could have done without in 2006 and Things that I'm not sure what to think about from 2006 (this one is not very long).

January 23
The Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I am That’s What I’m Not

I admit that after hearing all the hype surrounding these guys I wasn’t too interested in hearing them. I resisted for as long as I possibly could and when I finally heard the album I realized what all the hype was about and that they actually exceeded the hype in my opinion. If you haven’t heard these guys I definitely recommend taking a listen. If may not be for you but at least give it a chance.

February 21
The Loved Ones – Keep Your Heart

For the love of punk rock! I haven’t heard a punk album so well written and catchy in a really long time. I’m going to go so far as to say that this is one of the best punk albums of the past 5 or more years. I think even those of you who don’t necessarily listen to punk would love this. “Jane” is one of those songs that just sneaks in your head and stays there for days but unlike shitty pop/rock songs it’s enjoyable and don’t mind having it in your head.

Spring 2006
NOFX – Never Trust a Hippy EP

A little teaser as to what was to come on the full length in April with a great cover I might add.

March 21
The Sainte Catherines -Dancing for Decadence

This album is definitely in my top 5 for releases this year. These guys have come a long way from the shitty track on an old Peanut Tree compilation that also included missing. If gives me the shivers just thinking about how horrible that track was. Anyway Dancing for Decadence is a great punk album from beginning to end. The album stays true to what punk is and what’s even better? They’re Canadian!!

Anti-Flag – For Blood and Empire
Oh, Anti-Flag. This is the first of two albums to be put out by Anti-Flag as per their contract with RCA. It seems a bit hypocritical of a band with very strong anti-capitalist lyrics to be signing to a major. I’m not judging them though they’re my favorite punk band and have been for a couple years now. Personally I like The Terror State better but on this album you can hear Anti-Flags growth as musicians. It’s nice that the album doesn’t sound exactly like everything else they’ve released over the years.

MC Lars – The Graduate
MC Lars is Weird Al for punks. He refers to his music as Post-punk laptop rap. The songs may not be the greatest but the lyrics definitely give you a laugh especially if you’re one of those people who are fed up with fashion punks and fashion-core. “Signing Emo” is by far the best song on the album with “Internet Relationships” coming in at a close second

April 4
Pink – I'm Not Dead
Ok so I’m not usually a huge fan of pop music, but there’s something about this album and Pink for that matter. Maybe I’ve been fooled but Pink, even though she’s a pop star, still has the balls enough to say how she feels and write songs that actually say something and have meaning and aren’t just one dimensional. This album is no different. The first single “Stupid Girls” is in your face with how fucked up the image of what’s “hot” is right now and how misguided young girls are with slutty pop star images and personalities. One of my favorite tracks is “Dear Mr. President”, an open letter obviously to George W. Bush asking how he can live with himself when he causes so much pain and hurt in the world. I’m not asking you to go buy this album maybe just read the lyrics and if you have a young daughter buy it for her, help her learn that Paris Hilton is not a role model.

April 11
.moneen. - The Red Tree
The first release by .moneen. since signing to Vagrant and it seems they've composed more radio friendly songs for this album (as in track length). It's a well produced and composed album, it flows evenly from one track to the next. I'm not as found of The Red Tree as I am with Are We Really Happy With Who We Are Right Now. The first single “If Tragedy's Appealing Then Disaster's An Addiction” is a great track I also enjoy “The Frightening Reality Of The Fact That We Will All Have to Grow Up And Settle Down One Day”.

April 18
NOFX - Wolves in Wolves Clothing
This is yet another great punk album that was released in 2006. The March released EP gave us all a little taste of what was to come with Wolves in Wolves Clothing. A solid album throughout but if anyone knows NOFX they know that have pretty much put out the same album for the last 10 years. Also if you know and love NOFX it doesn't fuckin matter because it's NOFX and it still rocks.
Key tracks: “Seeing Double at The Triple Rock”, “Wolves in Wolves Clothing”, “Benny Got Blowed Up”, “60% (Reprise)”, “Doornails”

April 25
Bruce Springsteen – We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions
In my opinion this album is the best thing Mr. Springsteen has done since the Born in The USA days. I can't suggest one single track because the whole thing is brilliant. This is a great folk album/must have for every music lovers collection.

Taking Back Sunday – Louder Now
If any of you listen to or used to listen to Taking Back Sunday you'll know that Tell All Your Friends and Where You Want To Be sound a lot alike and although Louder Now still sounds like Taking Back Sunday, it's more rock and not so much emo which is ok by me. I've always liked them but began to rethink once they managed to release Tell All Your Friends twice but hearing this one reignited my fondness for them.
Key tracks: “What it Feels Like To Be A Ghost”, “MakeDamnSure”

May 9
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium
I remember maybe a year or less before this album came out reading about it in Rolling Stone and I thought, “A double album release of all new material? How is this going to work?”. I love RHCP but I was pretty skeptical how they were going to pull this off without including a bunch of filler on these two discs. There is a bit of filler but they're tracks that will grow on you, not the type of filler that will have you skipping the track when it starts. This album is kind of all over the place but it still flows. There's typical RHCP funk stuff mixed in with some rock anthems and some not so radio friendly tracks. My favorite track off of both discs is “Hump de Bump”

May 23
Less Than Jake – In With The Out Crowd
You better believe I was super excited for this release. I love LTJ! I loved “Anthem” and grew to love everything before that. I will say that this is not LTJ's best effort, even they have admitted that but there are still some really great tracks on it. Overall there aren't enough horns in my opinion but the songs where they are present are gold! “Overrated (Everything Is)” is a decent track but the one that stood out to me the first time I listened was “Let Her Go”. Less Than Jake is like pizza, it's awesome but when it's bad it's still pretty good. Rock n Roll Pizzeria!!

June 6
The Bouncing Souls – The Gold Record
I’ll be honest here, I didn’t pay much attention to The Bouncing Souls until recently but after this album was released I started to. I love this album. The Gold Record on its own is a great album and well worth a listen.

June 27
Good Riddance – My Republic
Their 7th full length album and the first album after their hiatus following their Bound by Ties of Blood and Affection tour. A great album for old and new punks alike, it still has the same ol’ Good Riddance feel that we all know and love but also brings a fresh sound that would appeal to younger people who may not have grown up listening to Good Riddance.

July 4
Rise Against -The Sufferer and the Witness
I’m not really sure where to start with this album. There’s so much to say I’m speechless. I’m going to go so far as to say this is number one on my top 5 of this year. “Ready to Fall” is the first single off the album, many of you may remember me talking about it from a previous post. The songs video counterpart is harsh especially for those with weak stomachs or soft hearts. The in-your-face attitude of the video is also carried on throughout the album and is carried well I might add. You can feel their passion for the music and the topics at hand. This release is just as good as Siren Song for the Counter Culture. As for favorite songs, I can’t just pick one the whole album is solid.

Greg Graffin – Cold As The Clay
Although Mr. Graffin isn’t as good at folk music as he is punk, this album is still great. Featured on the album are various other artists including but not limited to Jolie Holland, Brett Gurewitz, and Jason Tait from The Weakerthans. This album may not be for everyone, I recommend checking it out before buying it.

August 15
Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics
Like I said before I’m not a huge fan of pop especially not of Christina Aguilera but now that she’s made her way out of her slutty Xtina phase and grown up some I can actually enjoy listening to her. This album has a lot of blues, jazz and soul influences which are very apparent (not just in her fashion). I love it when modern artists can take decade’s old music and personalize it for new generations. It’s nice that Christina managed to do this without ruining the essence of music from the 30’s and 40’s.

August 2006
Metal by Numbers a song that mocks screamo bands. You know the bands that try so god damn hard to look metal and sound metal but don’t realize they’re making complete fools of themselves? Or pretty much every band on Victory Records currently This song is to metal what “Signing Emo” is to punk. This video is definitely worth watching.

Local scene legend retires...

2006-12-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

...and yet another venue closes in Fredericton, NB. Quelle surprise!

Currently: sad :(

Bugaboo, the home of punk rock, metal, rock and roll and whatever else you could throw at it has closed its doors. Apparently I’m a little behind because I just found out today and it was posted a few days ago on the Droltab Forum.

I, along with many of you I’m sure, have very fond and some not so fond memories of Bugaboo. To me this was a place you could go to take in a show, chill out and have a beer with friends or entertain yourself by watching the regular patrons of the bar. Including but not limited to “white shirt guy”, or “crazy arm wrestling lady” that Billy had to kick off the stage because the band was trying to play. I saw Nandez (RIP) for the first and last time here also SNFU, The Planet Smashers, Kilbourne and many others.

Bugaboo was also the home to numerous local bands and people including Spaceblood, Scarecrow Blues (a great way to keep your Mondays busy) Motel 69, Crosstown Rivals/El Diablo, Missing, Billy Strange (the cranky guy who ran the show aka Droltab) and Johnny P (local legend) just to name a few.

I think in a way Bugaboo/Droltab were the glue that was keeping the punk scene alive in this city. Billy was the only promoter putting on punk shows and putting on punk shows at reasonable prices. 5 bucks, that’s how much a show should cost unless you’re going to the Playhouse or UNB to see a show. There are other promoters who are putting on “punk” shows but I don’t like to count fashion core bands as punk nor would I pay $10 + to see said fashion punks be “unique”. Others mainly concentrate on metal. I miss the days when we had more than one venue to put on shows at. Before any of you yell at me “What about the Capital, Taproom etc etc” I’m referring to punk/metal friendly venues. Thank god Vixens opened up recently; it seems to have come at just the right time. I haven’t attended a show there as of yet so I have no opinion of the venue. I only hope that it’s decent ‘cause I wouldn’t mind spending part of my New Years Eve there. There’s a great line up. Iron Fist, Barracuda Sunrise, Pipeplayer, Spaceblood, Motel 69, Super Destroyer and the No-Shows not to mention it’s only 5 bucks and there’s $2 drinks between 10 and 10:30

There I go off topic. Back to the subject at hand, Bugaboo and what it has done for this city. Bugaboo helped pop my scene cherry way back in the day. I had been to numerous shows at other venues but I had never experienced a real drunken punk rock show like the ones at Bugaboo. One of my fondest memories is of New Years Eve 2004 at Bugaboo with Atomic Machetes, The Trick, Crosstown Rivals, The Dirt Track Dates & The Raisers (our own super group). I guess it’s not so much a memory as a faint recollection of the evening. I walked into the bar to have someone tell me that people were booing The Trick, now I realize that that line up was a little odd and The Trick was a little out of place but please have some respect. If you don’t like the band don’t watch. So receiving this news I proceeded further into the bar to cheer on The Trick super loud (and probably obnoxiously). At some point before even getting to the bar I lost all caring abilities. I don’t remember other sets or if I even watched them but I remember bits and pieces of Crosstown Rivals set but mostly I remember that they were awesome (not really, they were all hammered) and that Jon was having a really hard time singing and playing and having an even harder time standing up which is where the trusty mic stand came in handy. I wish I had pictures to capture that night.

As for the man who ran the show at Bugaboo, that was Billy. He booked probably 90% of the shows that came through there with his promotion company Droltab. He’s was always the one at the back of the bar or side of the stage trying to make everything sound just right. And a lot of the times running around doing whatever needed to be done at the time be it picking up empties or kicking drunken assholes out. He usually had a few sarcastic comments to throw in there as well. Billy is the guy that’s been around this scene since before all the fashion punks were in diapers and before most of us knew what a scene was. He’s a legend, Droltab and Bugaboo will both be missed dearly.

Banana

It is possible to Rise Against...

2006-11-23T13:10:00.001-08:00

Current mood: happy

(yes I realise that title is right dorky)

"Punk was the dream that would never come true..." I just read this line from a fellow myspacers blog and it inspired me to finally write something for my supposed 'zine I'm trying to make out of this myspace page. However because I'm lazy and unispired as of late so therefore nothing has been posted. But here goes... an attempt at something creative. My creative gene has been laying dormant for a few months now, I like to blame it on the job that I currently have that makes me feel as though I'm walking through his world as a zombie and has changed my personality so much that I'm beginning to hate the way I feel and act. I'm becoming a very bitter female. It's a very different world out here when you're not surrounded by what drives you and what you're passionate about.

Enough about why I haven't written anything... here it is. It's more of a rant than creative writing.

Last night I watched the new Rise Against video for Prayer of a Refugee. The video relays a message of fair trade. I believe in fair trade but to be honest it didn't impact me as intensley as Ready to Fall did. I honestly don't think any video will ever again have such an impact on me that I'll change my lifestyle. This is the video that was banned from Much Music. For those of you who haven't seen Ready to Fall, please watch it. If anything it's intense. The bulk of the video is images and video clips on animal cruelty including domestic dogs and animals that were not even recognizable as animals. I got probably 2/3 of the way through the video before I had to leave the room and compose myself. I've heard that the last third of the video isn't graphic at all but I still haven't been able to finish watching the video. I haven't been able to eat meat since. This is why Rise Against remains one of my favorite bands. Not only are they incredible musicians but they care. It's one thing to say you care about animal cruelty and children in war torn countries, it's something else to be able to make such in-your-face videos that force many to rethink their lifestyles.

This brings me to Rise Against's live show. Some of you might remember back in March 2005 (wow it feels like a lot longer than that) anyway Alexisonfire, Rise Against and The Fullblast played at UNB. I was super stoked for this show because I would finally get to see Rise Against live. Alexisonfire, yea they put on a great show but I had already seem them at least 3 times. Now I don't know if it was the sound guys fault or Rise Against but they sounded like shit and they weren't even entertaining. They looked bored the entire time. A shitty first time experience seeing Rise Against live. So when Jon Wood and I travelled to Montreal for the Warped Tour this year I was kind of skeptical about seeing Rise Against live again. I was hoping things had changed by now. It had been over a year and they had been playing a lot of huge shows since the last time I saw them. Here's hoping. I can say with confindence that they were one of the most entertaining bands I saw at Warped Tour this year. Maybe it helped that the crowd was huge and really stoked or that they had a lot more practice or that the sound guy at Warped Tour was a lot better than whoever was doing sound at that show in 2005. Maybe it was a little bit of all those things, either way they blew me away in that half hour they played and renewed by confidence in their live show. I also think the 10 year old kid rockin' out in front of me made me enjoy the show even more as well (that's going to be my children). There's nothing that sucks more than seeing a band live that you've loved for a long time and having them suck live. It's a huge disappointment and you try your hardest to like what you're hearing thinking that maybe your hearing is fucked but it's more likely that they really do suck live (or are just having a bad show). After all they are still only human and everyone is entitled to a bad day.

Banana

Currently listening : The Sufferer & the Witness By Rise Against Release date: By 04 July, 2006